Valentine’s Romance
February 7, 2011 by Megan G.
Filed under Featured, Gift Guides
So… the people at Sorrelli Jewelry asked if we would do a Valentine’s Day-themed Polyvore featuring their lovely, vintage inspired jewelry. I volunteered because I’d never used Polyvore before and it gave me a great excuse to take a good long look at Sorrelli’s offerings, which I had been meaning to do since Britt wore (and raved about) some of their things at BlogHer last year. Here is my take on Valentine’s Romance:
Valentine’s Romance by MsMeganG featuring wide leg sailor pants
If you know anything about me, you know that I’m not much of a dress girl. I wear them once in a while, but I feel sexiest in pants, a la Katherine Hepburn. So this look is totally me. I love the high-waisted sailor pants and think they’d look great with that shirt tucked into them (or not). And the bag and shoes… just look at them, people. What’s not to love? Unfortunately it’s the price. The combination of top, shoes, pants and bag equals a mortgage payment.
But not the jewelry.
I may have picked the outfit in fantasy mode, but I chose the jewelry thinking about what I would actually buy and wear. I chose the necklace because it’s different and simple and won’t fight with the neckline on the top. The earrings caught my eye because they aren’t huge. A few months back I chopped all my hair off (think Halle Berry) and now find my big, bold earrings that were necessary in order to be seen under a curtain of hair are way too BIG. So I picked these beauties, which will get the attention they deserve on my recently exposed earlobes. Both are in the Midnight Moon colorway. I have a thing for black.
What’s great about Sorrelli jewelry is that it is not expensive. Mind you, these aren’t $20 pieces of junky jewelry; they are costume pieces that are meant to kept for years. They are priced accordingly. The Classic Swarovski Crystal Drop Earring is $44, while the Sophisticated Crystal Cluster Pendant is $75. Both are available at sorrelli.com, and there are more colors and styles to choose from. My tip of the week: If you want to be a rock star on Valentine’s Day, go forth and get her something from here.
Disclaimer: Sorrelli asked that we create a Polyvore featuring their jewelry. In exchange I am being given a piece of said jewelry. But the stuff is really nice.
Holiday Style Do’s and Don’ts
December 9, 2010 by Corrin Foster
Filed under Featured, Style
Yes, the holidays are a time to dress a little flashier and spread some holiday cheer through your wardrobe choices, but it’s not the time to turn into a hot mess. Just think of all the holiday photos that will live on in infamy. The executives you have to woo at your company holiday party to secure that much deserved promotion. The younger sisters who stuff their pretty little faces with ham and pie without popping a button or smearing their lipgloss. What that? You don’t have a sister? Moving on…
Here are a few holiday style do’s and don’ts to keep you looking fashionable and festive.
Don’t – Holiday Jewelry
Only a select few people can wear kitschy holiday jewelry: those in elementary school, those on social security, and those that are criminally insane (no offense to the loons reading today).
No. No. No.
Do – Holiday Gems
Think cocktail party not costume party when picking out your holiday accessories. Bold rings, chunky necklaces, and bright gemstones are all in the holiday spirit.
Old Navy Dome Cocktail Ring $10
Sorelli Modern Facets Bold Crystal Bib Necklace $114.40
Forever 21 Luxe Stretch Bracelet $9.80
Don’t – Holiday Sweaters
I know it’s a joke, but the lady at the checkout counter when you’re making your holiday booze run doesn’t know that and neither will your grand kids when they are picking out photos for the cork board at your wake.
More foolish than festive.
Do – Classic Knits
There are lots of options to avoid the Cosby-sweater-drunk-on-eggnog look this holiday season. A simple twin set that can be dressed up with gems, an embellished cardigan can be worn year-round, or if you must go for a something warm and cozy looking, try a classic cable knit (but dress it up with trouser pants and some great shoes).
J. Crew Jackie Cardigan $62
J. Crew Jackie Shell $42
Old Navy Beaded Cardigan $32.50
(I own this cardigan in every color it’s so fabulous. Buy it. Now.)
Lands End Cable Knit Turtleneck $86.50
Don’t – Hats worn by fictional characters
That means no Santa hats, no elf hats, and no light up Christmas trees on your head.
Only acceptable if you work one day a year.
Call me a Grinch, but do you want a picture like this floating around of yourself? I rest my case.
Yes, this is me. Yes, I was drunk.
Do – Stylish Hats
Want to pull off cold weather accessories that complement your holiday attire? Opt for sequin and gems and think of hats as jewelry. Snoods are the newest “it” accessory and I think the one below would look smashing as a necklace once you’re in from the cold.
Sequin Beret $22
J. Crew Snood $98
Golden Rule of Holiday Style – Everything in Moderation
It’s best not to show up to any holiday event looking like a Rockette, even if your legs do look that good. Refrain from shopping for clothing in the seasonal department, listen to Aunt Coco and take off one accessory before you leave the house, and always remember that someone will have a camera this holiday season, and you will be well on your way to timeless holiday style.
The booze are thataway...
10 Fabulous Gifts For A Fashionista
November 23, 2010 by Corrin Foster
Filed under Featured, Gift Guides
Whether it’s a wife, girlfriend, mother, daughter, niece, or yourself (there’s nothing wrong with a little self-gifting!) most of us will be gifts for a fashionista this holiday season. Below are ten gifts (chosen by moi) that are sure to please any style-conscious friend or family member (and me).
10 Great Gift Ideas For A Fashionista
1. Magazine Subscriptions – Give the gift that keeps on giving – 12 months of fashion, style, and inspiration in the pages of Harper’s Bazaar, British Vogue, Lucky and other fashion & style magazines.
Bonus: Super affordable and no wrapping!
Fashionista Nina knows what she's talking about.
2. Nina Garcia’s Look Book $13.97 – Advice on what to wear for every occasion from the fashion director of Marie Claire and Project Runway judge, Nina Garcia. She’s smart, chic, and sharp tongued. Who wouldn’t take fashion advice from Nina?
3. Charm Bracelets - Charm bracelets are back in a big way. There are lots of fashionable variations (like this Juicy Couture braclet/necklace combo) and personalization shows that you put time and effort into your gift selection.
Bonus: Years of gift giving are in the bag! Mark memorable occasions with new charms!
Sample the hottest polish colors with these minis!
4. Sephora by OPI $48 – Nail polish is an accessory just like a fabulous bracelet or necklace. The Sephora by OPI gift set includes 18 mini nail colors, from the lady-like to the daring, that compliment any outfit.
5. Gift cards – Fashionistas are one of the few people I recommend buying gift cards for. Style can be really personal, and you don’t want to buy the wrong size or color. If you ‘re going to give gift cards, make sure it’s for somewhere with a wide selection (like Sephora, Simon Malls, or a department store) and that the dollar amount covers the cost of whatever you had in mind for the person (say a new purse or pair of boots).
Vroom Vroom: these driving gloves are functional & fashionable!
6. Echo ‘Driver Touch’ Gloves $35 – Gloves make a fantastic gift because you can buy a high-end name brand for a reasonable price (check TJ Maxx for brands like Coach and Michael Kors). I love the classic driving style and bold colors of these Echo wool gloves. So chic.
Bonus: Textured pads on the thumb and index finger allows you to use your iPhone and other touch devices!
7. TOMS shoes $54 – TOMS have a cult following, and these Glitter TOMS are so versatile and sparkly that anyone can see why.
Bonus: For every pair you purchase, TOMS gives a pair to a child in need!
8. Vintage Purse Camera Strap $30 – Photography and fashion seems to go hand-in-hand thanks to the boom in fashion blogging. What better way to make your camera fashionable than with a strap that looks like it’s straight from a vintage purse (namely one that rhymes with FoFo Fanel)!
9. Gem Headphones $29.50 – Not only are these Orbit Gem Hearphones from Delight.com slim and functional, they look gorgeous and demure.
Everything you need for a fashion emergency.
10. Miniemergency Kit $11.95 – Every fashionista need to be prepared for the worst – unraveling hems, broken nails, runs in tights. The Miniemergency Kit from Kitson is adorable and contains all the necessities: hairspray, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, emery board, lip balm, earring backs, clear elastics, sewing kit, double-sided tape, stain remover, deodorant, pain reliever, tampon, breath freshener, dental floss, and bandages.
Novica: Artisan Jewelry And More
November 12, 2010 by Megan G.
Filed under Featured, Gift Guides
Artisan Jewelry And So Much More
I love artisan jewelry. Last Christmas, my mother gave me a nicely fortified American Express gift card, so I decided to treat myself to a necklace that I’d seen in the Sundance Catalog, my usual place to get my earring and necklace fix. Unfortunately that necklace was sold out and there wasn’t anything else that I loved and could afford. I started poking around the Internet and eventually found Novica.
I got my jewelry fix. And a new, handmade leather purse that has the cutest little zip pocket in the back that my iPhone fits into perfectly. Plus I have a new place to roam around to hunt for glass vases, area rugs, sculptures, paintings and other handmade items. You could wipe out your whole holiday list in one shot. How cool would that be?
The best part about Novica is that all the merchandise is made by individual artisans from all over the world. Your purchase helps support artists in India, Chile,
Men's Bracelet, Bali
Mexico, Thailand, Bali, the Andes and many other countries. If you have any reservations at all about dealing with Novica, it may help you to know that this site is presented in association with National Geographic. That’s why I eventually bought a gorgeous peridot (my birthstone) necklace made by a lovely woman in India who actually included a nice postcard with my order. My leather purse came up from Mexico in under two weeks. The necklace took a bit longer, but not much.
Since those first purchases, I have received more Novica jewelry as gifts. Still love it. And when I’m in
the market for home decor, I’ll absolutely make a stop here. The prices are reasonable, you can, at times, get free shipping (but shipping’s not outrageous either) and they have a rewards program that gets you discounts on future purchases.
All that and you can help someone in a developing country make a decent living. Not bad for a few mouse clicks.
My Pretty, Pretty Sorrelli Jewels – and discounts for you.
July 21, 2009 by Miss Britt
Filed under Style
If you read my personal blog, you might have noticed yesterday that I talked about some free jewelry I was getting to wear to the BlogHer conference this week.
I didn’t get to pick it out myself, so I’ve been anxiously waiting to see what I was getting and whether or not it would actually match anything I own.
Feast your eyes on these beauties:
Sorrelli Earrings in Peachy Keen
Sorrelli pendant in Peachy Keen
I am so excited that I am getting pieces from the Peachy Keen line. Namely because it will go with damn near everything, and I have spent the last week looking for something brownish to go with the shirt I’m wearing Saturday, to no avail. I’m also thinking I might be wearing this jewelry with a black cocktail dress on Friday night – but I’m not sure. I’ll be bringing back up.
I’ve never worn Sorrelli, because quite frankly – I am too cheap. But I’ve lusted after a friend‘s collection from afar. I’m anxious to see it close up so that I can determine if it’s worth all that cash.
In other words – this isn’t a review!
I’ve never worn Sorrelli. I’ve only looked at it on someone else and thought it was very, very pretty. And told her over and over again it was pretty. Until she finally got sick of listening to me and asked someone to please, for the love of God, send that lady a necklace.
Anyway.
If you already know and love Sorrelli jewelry, they are having a Summer Sale right now (until Friday)and offering 15% off of orders of $100. Because you pretty much spend that much at least if you go to their web site.
AND…
You can get an extra 5% off all orders from today until Sunday by using the code BLOGHER5.
(If you spend $100 between now and Friday, you can combine offers and save 20%. Woo hoo!)
Tell them some chic on the Internet sent you.
Affordable Fashion Trend: Statement Necklaces
June 22, 2009 by Miss Britt
Filed under Style
I hate trends that require a total wardrobe overhaul.
As a rule, I tend to avoid any fashion trend that means throwing out the contents of my closet and starting from scratch.
One of my favorite trends right now is the rush towards “statement necklaces”.
What the hell is a statement necklace?
Simply, and redundantly, put – it’s a necklace that makes a statement. In other words, it’s a large necklace that says “Hey! Look at me! I’m the focus of this outfit!”
But we’re not talking hanging expensive jewels around your neck. No, what makes this trend so great – and accessible – is how affordable it is to follow. Think costume jewelry.
Statement jewelry makes your existing wardrobe more versatile. You can take neutral pieces and add color with a necklace – or change the entire feel of an outfit just by swapping out your jewelry.
You can find unique costume jewelry – including great necklaces – anywhere from flea markets to department stores. I’ve actually found that plus sized women’s clothing stores tend to be the best places to find really great stand out necklaces, though I have no idea why. (I suspect it’s because they’ve figured out before the rest of us that drawing attention towards a great neckline is an easy way to detract attention from other parts of our bodies.)
Follow me over the jump for a few examples of statement necklaces that are perfectly in line with today’s top fashion trends…
Mother’s Day Gifts – Buy Her Jewelry
April 16, 2009 by Miss Britt
Filed under Gift Guides
Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift idea for women?
Buy her jewelry.
The end.
I mean sure, you can go sentimental with personalized gifts. Sure, you can show that you understand her concern for the environment with eco-friendly gifts. And sure, you can get to her heart by way of her stomach with edible foodie gifts.
Or, you can stop cheaping out and buy the woman some damn jewelry.
Seriously.
Twisted silver and gold strand cuff bracelet
$362
I love this. I love that it’s classic and timeless and versatile and whispers “strong, confident woman”.
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